Staying Sane With Three Under Three

September 28, 2011 By 4 Comments

Some days I feel like I am running from one end of the house to the other. Picking up and putting away toys. The same ones I just did not even an hour ago.  Folding mounds of laundry. Which never get put away.  Attempting to stay on top of the cleaning. Cleaning? Honestly?  Patting the baby’s back and putting her back to sleep.  Sigh.  Breaking up a sibling squabble.  More like an all out brawl.  Sushing the girls’ screaming so they don’t wake the baby.  For the love of all things good, please use quiet voices!

It’s a lot. Three under age three is much harder than I anticipated! And it’s enough to make me go back on birth control. Almost. ;) (We want a big family, FYI.)

This is how I manage to stay sane.  Most days.  These things help me stay on track and not give into the Mommy Monster.

Readjust Your Routine

Realistically, I cannot function the same as I did before I had kids. Or when I only had one child. Having three littles to clean up after, feed and keep safe is quite a chore! So when it comes to my other chores, those things that keep the house looking pretty, well… they kind of just get put on the back burner. And I’ve learned to be ok with that. Honestly, when people do come over and I apologize for the mess, they tell me they would be shocked if the house was super clean and put away. So, for now, I attempt to stick to this low maintenance routine. Which seems to be too lofty some days around here!

Make a To Do List

There is a lot to get done around the house with just one kid. Now times that by three and it gets overwhelming! My mind just can’t keep up. In order to give myself some mental stability, I take it all to pen and paper. Or nowadays, my iPad because I always seem to lose those stinkin’ stickies! To not load myself down with too much, my daily “To Do” list usually only encompasses a few easy tasks. It’s all about being realistic at this stage in life.

Start Your Mornings Out Right

I cannot even begin to tell you how important this is, especially when your day becomes all about three little people and your husband. From sunrise to sundown. That’s why I attempt every morning to wake early before my girls, make hubby’s lunch and send him off with a kiss. Then I resist the urge to climb back into bed, and instead grab some coffee and my Bible. I spend some good, quality time in the quietness and then try to make myself comfortable yet presentable for the day. There is just something about being fully dressed, hair brushed, teeth cleaned, that makes the day so much more bearable.

Let Things Slide

As I mentioned before with our routine, some things just have to slide. I try to keep most of the dust and dirt from piling up around here, but if you were to squat down and look closely…. Well, it just wouldn’t pass Mary Poppins’ test, if you know what I mean. And like I said, I am ok with that. My amazing husband is ok with that. And my little girls don’t seem to mind their dirty feet. I surround myself with people that will offer help and grace, instead of criticism, who can also look past the dirt and hopefully see a beautiful family! :)

Visit Carolyn over at A Purpose Driven Home.

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Great Googly Goggles!

August 24, 2011 By 3 Comments

My girls and I are getting crafty with our ABC’s during our tot school each morning.  Each week we focus on a different letter of the alphabet, going over letter identification, sounds, and of course lots of crafts to go along!  This week we are learning about the letter G, so we made some goggles to go on a “G” scavenger hunt!

Here’s what you will need to make your own googly-eyed goggles…

permanent marker, scissors, pipe cleaners, and an empty egg carton

First, you will need to cut out two adjoining egg cups from the egg carton.  Like this…

Then, using a permanent marker, write an uppercase G over one eye and a lowercase g over the other eye.

Carefully using one tip of your scissors, cut a hole in each eye.  Make sure to place something underneath, so you don’t dent your table when making a hole in the egg cartons.

Next, carefully poke holes in each side of your goggles and slide one half of a pipe cleaner through each hole.  Once I threaded the pipe cleaner through the hole, I wrapped it around itself to make it secure.  Then I added a small piece of tape.

Then, add those googly goggles to your little one’s ears, shaping the pipe cleaners for a perfect fit.

For a different version of these goggles (and perhaps a better fit if you have an older child), cut the egg carton pieces into two separate eyes.  Then cut a hole on each inside piece and connect with a pipe cleaner.  Just like this…

Doesn’t the missing front tooth just add an extra touch of goofiness to this picture?

Once you have some great googly goggles finished and ready to go, set out an a scavenger hunt with your child.  The object is to find as many objects as you can starting with the letter G.  Of course, your super awesome goggles will make the adventure extra special!  :)

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Connect By Giving

November 11, 2008 By Leave a Comment

As a mom, you want to connect with your children, you want to be able to relate to them, and for them to relate to you.  A great way to connect especially during the holidays is through giving.  Whether you’re giving to the needy, giving to those near or far, such as to members of the military, or to children around the world through programs such as Operation Christmas Child, there are many ways to give.  The act of giving is one that will leave you feeling better than you ever imagined and you’ll also be able to feel a connection with your own child as you both share in the “joy of giving”.

The act of getting togehter the gift in itself will give you and your child meaningful time together that will allow you to connect in a meaningful and powerful way.  Set up a time to make your “shopping trip” to stuff your box or pick out the perfect toy for a child or items for a soldier.  Talk with them about the act of giving and help them to understand its importance.  All the while you’ll be strengthening your own relationship with each other and learning to reach out to others too.

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Children and Cough Medicine

October 11, 2008 By Leave a Comment

mom n child Pictures, Images and PhotosMoms everywhere have heard the warnings about the use of cough medicine in children under six.  The FDA has acknowledged the fact that pediatricians see no benefit its use in young children and that countless ER visits in relation to children and cough meds have been documented; however, there is still no official ban on these over-the-counter cough medicines formulated for young children.

With the cold and flu season right around the corner, many parents may be wondering what to do for their sniffling, hacking little ones.  Here are some suggestions.

  • Use a cool mist humidifier in the child’s room to lessen dry, hacking coughs.
  • For a barking cough, sitting in a steamy bathroom can ease symptoms.
  • A warm bath can be effective.
  • Cold beverages can soothe a sore throat – avoid carbonated drinks and citrus juices.
  • Give children older than one a half teaspoon of honey before bed.

See your pediatrician if the cough persists for more than a week or is worrisome.  If you do choose to administer OTC cold medicine, avoid antihistamines that make children sleepy and always follow the dosage instructions on the label.  Do not give over-the-counter cold and cough medicines to children under the age of two.

It’s tough to see your child so miserable.  But the dangers to young children do exist when using over-the-counter drugs for cold symptoms, and their effectiveness has yet to be proven.  Using these tried and true methods, in combination with some love from mommy, will ensure the safety of your child and lessen the discomfort associated with the common cold.

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The Fine Line

August 22, 2008 By 1 Comment

This past week in Sunday School we were talking about our children being involved in extra-curricular activities.  How do you decide what they will be involved in.  We all agreed that it is to be a choice that is made together.  That the child should want to do the said activity, such as ballet, or football, or piano lessons, but where is the line drawn.  How many activities are too many, what if they don’t want to do any at all, what if they want to take on too much?piano

There are many issues that can be raised, and there is a fine line that may or may not need to be crossed.  One of the moms in the class mentioned that she wanted her daughter to try dance, but her daughter rebelled.  She was not sure if she should encourage her or let it go.  She did encourage her and her daughter ended up enjoying it.  However another mom mentioned that her son did not want to play football, she pushed him to and he was injured that season, causing her to feel remorse.  What is the proper call to make, and where do we draw the line.

We all face these issues as parents, let’s face it, it is a tough call to make, but we all know some activities can be good for our children, while others may not and it is different for each child.  It is important to take the time to sit and talk with your child about their wishes, their wants, their fears and hesitations, and then decide together what would be best to do regarding these activities.

You want them to learn and grow through extracurricular activities such as sports and music lessons, but you also want them to be happy and enthused about what they are doing, not feeling pressured.  So, make sure you do not cross, the fine line.

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T

August 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

momRespect, it is more than just an old song by The Temptations, it is truly something we should teach our children.  In today’s society, so many people lack respect, respect for authority, respect for our elders, respect for each other, and therefore, as a result of this lack of respect among adults, our daughters too have a lack of respect.

It is our responsibility to teach them the respect that they should have, for themselves, for us and for others in their lives, such as teachers, the elderly, and the like.  Learning respect starts in our homes, we must show respect for our spouse, and others in our lives so that our daughters can have a model for how they should act.

Respect is defined by Dictionary.com as a verb as “showing regard or consideration for others”.  In your household is regard and consideration shown to each other? to your spouse? to your children?  We must model this for them in order for them to be able to fully understand what it truly means to show respect.

it is also important that they are disciplined when they lack respect or do not show you or others the consideration that is deserved.  The type of discipline that is given will vary based on your parenting style, but the important thing is that they understand they have messed up and need to change their attitudes or actions.  Proper discipline can also encourage our daughter’s to show respect.

With the proper amount of modeling and discipline our daughter’s will have the respect for others that is needed.

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Do You Have Picky Eaters?

May 25, 2008 By Leave a Comment

One of our biggest challenges are picky eaters. It seems that a picky eater will not like any type of food you place in front of them. They may complain that they don’t like the food or that it feels funny in their mouths. We as parents then try to disguise the food to make them eat it; or drown the food in ketchup or cheese sauce. There are easier ways to entice your children to eat more foods and also maintain your sanity.

The most important thing to keep in mind, is if you want your child to eat a particular type of food, you must also eat that food. Show them that it tastes ‘yummy’.

Make the food more attractive, for example, you can cut the food into shapes. Using cookie cutters, are a great way to entice your child into eating foods they normally wouldn’t touch. A sandwich in the form of a boat is more interesting than a plain ham and cheese sandwich. Be creative and you will achieve success.

With the summer months upon us, it is important to be sure to give our children plenty of water. Try to limit juice intake; most juices are basically straight sugar. Since it does not contain whole fruits, there is no fiber to slow the release of the sugar. Try to find 100% fruit juices and water them down, to prevent the sugar intake.

Now is the perfect time to introduce different fruits and vegetables. Try freezing grapes and giving them as refreshing treats during the hot summer months. Jell-O is always a favorite. Make them into interesting shapes and try adding fruit for added nutrition. Some other healthy snacks include, raisins, crackers, cheese sticks, pretzels, and frozen yogurt.

Another favorite are frozen pops and you can make your own. Try mixing sugar-free chocolate and vanilla pudding and pouring them into popsicle molds for a wonderful frozen treat. This is a great way to get your children to have their milk intake if they normally wouldn’t drink it out of a cup.

Most importantly try not to lose sleep over your picky eaters. They will eat eventually. You must not give in and give them junk food such as, chips, and candy and have plenty of healthy snacks on hand when they are hungry. Have a vegetable platter available in your refrigerator or cut up fruit for quick snacks.

If your child wants to eat macaroni and cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner, allow it. They will soon grow tired of the same food and will want the variety and this will be your opportunity to introduce more foods.

Be patient and consistent and always introduce new foods. Picky eaters usually start eating other foods, if you don’t stress over it. Try not to force a child to eat, because they will fight you and more than likely still not eat that particular food item. And don’t worry your child will eat, you just need to be creative and patient.

Dr. Daisy (aka Dr. Mommy) is a Doctor of Chiropractic by profession, wife to a loving and supporting husband and home school mom to 5 beautiful children. She is a speaker, blogger and freelance writer that devotes her time to educate the public on the importance of nutrition and their health.

For more insight on her love of health and nutrition you can visit her Healthy Nutrition Hints Blog. http://healthynutritionhints.com

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Turning the Fizz into Fit

May 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment

There is no denying that there is a link between soft-drink consumption and weight gain adolescents. According to researchers, soft-drink consumption has increased by 300% in the past 20 years! And it has increased 85% in school children who drink at least one soda every day.

The risk of obesity increases 1.6 times with each additional can or glass of sugar-sweetened drink consumed beyond the normal daily intake.

So, what does this all mean? Sugar sweetened beverages increase blood glucose and decrease insulin sensitivity. This in turn will stimulate hunger, which will lead to increased caloric intake. The risk of developing obesity and diabetes is therefore greater.

For example, one study showed that if you consume one extra serving of a sugar-sweetened soft drink daily it will produce a 23 pound increase in body mass over 10 years. But, thankfully this can be easily avoided with will power and the availability of healthy alternatives.

More and more companies are marketing 100% fruit juices, which will help satisfy your children’s daily requirement for fruit. Although, most juices on the market do not contain as many nutrients as whole fruit, they are better options than the sugar-sweetened, empty calorie soft drinks. And, we can’t forget water, another healthy alternative to soft drinks.

So, let’s try are best to keep those sodas and sugar-sweetened drinks away from your children. They will not like you for it now but will definitely thank you for it years from now; when they are not suffering from obesity and/or weight related diseases.

Dr. Daisy (aka Dr. Mommy) is a Doctor of Chiropractic by profession, wife to a loving and supporting husband and home school mom to 5 beautiful children. She is a speaker, blogger and freelance writer that devotes her time to educate the public on the importance of nutrition and their health.

For more insight on her love of health and nutrition you can visit her Healthy Nutrition Hints Blog. http://healthynutritionhints.com

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